The criminal case that has rattled New River took a sharp turn Thursday when the man accused of murdering and mutilating a well-known local pastor stood in a Maricopa County courtroom and said he was guilty. Adam Sheafe, 51, admitted to all counts, including first-degree murder, and told the judge he would give up his right to have a jury decide any potential penalty phase.
Plea entered in Phoenix-area courtroom
Sheafe formally entered his guilty pleas at a March 12 hearing and acknowledged responsibility for the killing of William “Pastor Bill” Schonemann, 76. He also confirmed to the court that he was willing to let a judge, rather than a jury, determine his punishment, according to The Arizona Republic.
How investigators say the killing unfolded
Deputies found Schonemann during a welfare check on April 28, 2025, and the Maricopa County Medical Examiner later ruled his death a homicide. Local coverage has detailed what investigators called a disturbing scene, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix. After his arrest, Sheafe gave jailhouse interviews in which he described the killing and claimed he had other potential targets, according to ABC15.
Charges and prosecutors' move toward the death penalty
A Maricopa County grand jury indicted Sheafe on first-degree murder along with a slate of related felony counts. Prosecutors then filed formal notice that they intend to seek the death penalty in the case, and the full indictment and charges are listed on the Maricopa County Attorney's Office website.
Legal path ahead
With the guilty pleas on the record and Sheafe asking to waive a jury for sentencing, the decision over whether to grant prosecutors' death penalty request now lands squarely with the judge. Sheafe has also asked the court to speed up post-plea scheduling and has told officials he does not contest the death sentence being sought, according to ABC15.
Community reaction and next steps
Schonemann's congregation and neighbors described him as a fixture of the small New River community, and the case has left many residents stunned and grieving, according to local reporting from FOX 10 Phoenix. Area outlets have continued to follow statements from the family and church leaders as court proceedings continue.
Upcoming hearings will determine the schedule for any penalty-phase proceedings and final sentencing. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information to contact the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office tip line, as noted in the release from the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.
